Which year of Ford Maverick is the best?

There isn't a single best year for everyone. The 2022 Maverick is widely viewed as the strongest value thanks to its standard hybrid powertrain and attractive starting price, while 2023 and 2024 bring notable tech and feature upgrades that appeal to buyers seeking a more modern interior and infotainment. Your best choice depends on your priorities—value, features, or all-wheel-drive capability.

What matters when choosing a Maverick year

To determine the best year for you, weigh fuel economy, engine options, payload and towing needs, technology, safety features, and price. The following year-by-year snapshots highlight the practical trade-offs most buyers consider.

2022 Maverick: the value leader

The 2022 Maverick introduced the lineup with a strong emphasis on affordability and efficiency. The standard hybrid powertrain delivers excellent fuel economy for a pickup, and the base price remains aggressive compared with rivals. Practical cargo space and a compact footprint enhance urban livability. Drawbacks commonly noted include a simpler interior on entry trims and fewer tech features on the lowest-priced models, along with a CVT tuned for the hybrid that some drivers find noisy at higher RPMs.

Value-focused buyers should note these points before considering the list below.

• Strengths: standout value; excellent fuel economy from the hybrid; compact size aids city driving and parking; solid basic practicality.


• Trade-offs: less engine power than the EcoBoost option; CVT can be noticeable under hard acceleration; interior materials and tech on the base trims are modest.


• Best for: buyers who prioritize budget, running costs, and straightforward daily usability over luxury or high-end features.

The 2022 Maverick remains a strong starting point for a budget-conscious shopper who wants a capable small pickup without a premium price tag.

2023 Maverick: tech and refinement

In 2023, Ford leaned into technology and interior quality, expanding feature availability and making some trims feel more premium without straying far from the core Maverick formula. More trims gained access to the EcoBoost engine with AWD in a wider range of configurations, and software/touchscreen experiences improved to feel more contemporary. The result is a more comfortable and connected daily driver with the same practical underpinnings.

Ahead of the list, here’s what to consider this year.

• Improvements: more standard driver-assistance features on mid-range trims; upgraded interior materials in several trims; broader access to the EcoBoost with AWD.


• Trade-offs: higher starting prices than 2022; the hybrid remains the most economical choice, with EcoBoost versions driving up costs but offering more power.


• Best for: buyers who want better tech, a more refined interior, and optional all-wheel drive with a broader engine lineup.

If you value a more polished inside experience and more modern tech, the 2023 Maverick is a meaningful upgrade over the initial year.

2024 Maverick: ongoing refinement

The 2024 Maverick continued the path of refinement, focusing on connectivity, safety features, and overall ease of use. Infotainment updates and incremental safety tech enhancements helped keep the Maverick competitive in a growing field of compact pickups. The changes are typically incremental but contribute to a more complete package for daily use and weekend projects.

Before the list, consider these practical implications of the 2024 updates.

• Improvements: refined infotainment experience; additional standard safety features; subtle trim updates and color choices to refresh the lineup.


• Trade-offs: price remains higher than the earliest model year, and powertrain mechanics are largely carried over from 2023.


• Best for: buyers who want up-to-date tech and safety features with a modest premium over the 2022 baseline, while keeping the Maverick’s core efficiency and practicality.

For tech-oriented buyers who want the latest out-of-the-box systems without a premium luxury-level price, the 2024 Maverick offers a compelling balance.

Bottom line: which year should you choose?

Overall, the best year depends on what you value most. If you want the lowest price and strongest fuel economy, start with the 2022 hybrid model. If you’re after more modern tech, interior refinement, and broader engine options, 2023 or 2024 are solid choices. If all-wheel drive or extra power is a priority, target trims that offer EcoBoost with AWD within those years. A test drive across representative trims is the most reliable way to decide.

Summary

There isn’t a single universally “best” Ford Maverick year. The 2022 model is frequently praised for value and efficiency, while 2023 and 2024 bring meaningful tech and refinement that appeal to buyers seeking a more feature-rich experience. Your ideal year hinges on budget, desired technology, and how you plan to use the truck. A careful comparison of trims and a few test drives will reveal the best fit for your needs.

Which Maverick is more reliable?

What Are the Most Reliable Ford Maverick Model Years? If we had to venture an educated guess, we would recommend the new 2024 or 2025 Ford Mavericks. Both of these model years are highly rated by industry publications.

What year is the best for Ford Maverick?

The Maverick has proven reasonably reliable across all model years. Still, 2024 and 2025 seem the least problematic years, as Ford corrected many of the issues with earlier models at the factory.

What year to stay away from Ford?

Ford years to avoid include the 2004-2006, 2010, and 2013-2017 F-150s due to issues like engine and transmission problems, while some model years of the Escape, like 2013, 2016, and 2021, are also flagged for various defects. Other years like 2011-2012 for the EcoBoost F-150 and 2011 F-250 are also listed for specific, though sometimes separate, concerns. 
Ford F-150

• 2004-2006: Prone to engine problems with the 5.4L Triton V8, such as spark plug breakage and cam phaser failures, as well as transmission issues and electrical problems. 
• 2010: Experienced transmission issues, including harsh shifting, along with widespread problems like frame rust and door handle failures. 
• 2013: This year had issues with the transmission downshifting and requires a specific recall to be completed. 
• 2015-2017: These years saw problems with the introduction of aluminum bodies and the 10-speed transmission, along with turbocharger and timing chain issues in some models. 
• 2018 with 5.0L V8: Suffered from a major oil consumption problem. 
• 2021: As the first year of the new generation, this model has had electrical issues, infotainment glitches, and problems with the PowerBoost hybrid system. 

Ford Escape

• 2013: Had various electronic and mechanical issues, including problems with the GPS, radio, and backup camera/sensors. 
• 2016: Prone to transmission issues, engine failures, power steering problems, and noisy brakes. 
• 2020-2021: Experienced oil leaks, electrical problems, and engine oil separator leaks. 

Other Ford models

• 2011 F-250: This year is known for the "death wobble" and other transmission woes. 
• 2017 F-250: Also has a high number of complaints and recalls, largely due to the "death wobble" suspension issue. 
• 2008 and 2013-2014 Ford Escape: These model years are also flagged for engine and transmission concerns. 

What year to avoid Ford Maverick?

The main Ford Maverick years to avoid are 2022, due to a high number of recalls and a below-average reliability rating, and to a lesser extent, the 2024, which has seen many recalls for driveline and electrical issues. The 2022 model year was considered the worst, particularly the hybrid, while the 2024 model also has its share of problems, though it has shown improvement in later production. The 2023 model year is a potential risk for the 2.5L HEV/PHEV engine issues, but is generally seen as more reliable than the first two years.
 
This video discusses potential problems with the Ford Maverick, including quality control issues: 58sFuel ForceYouTube · Jun 9, 2025
2022 Ford Maverick

• Recalls: Had the highest number of recalls, at 15 from the NHTSA. 
• Reliability: Received a below-average reliability rating from Consumer Reports, especially the hybrid model. 
• Issues: Experienced numerous issues, including frequent electrical system problems, and was subject to a recall related to potential engine fires in the hybrid model. 

2024 Ford Maverick

• Recalls: Has been recalled 12 times for issues such as driveline components, electrical failures, and the rearview camera display.
• Issues: Common problems include driveline vibrations, electrical issues, and problems with the rearview camera display freezing or being unresponsive. 

2023 Ford Maverick

• Engine issues: While generally more reliable than earlier years, the 2023 model year is also subject to the engine failure recall for the 2.5L HEV/PHEV engine. 
• Recommendation: Some sources suggest the 2023 model year is an improvement over the 2022 model, but it is still important to check for any outstanding recalls on the specific vehicle. 

What to consider

• Launch years: Launch year vehicles like the 2022 model year often have more problems than subsequent years, as manufacturers work out the kinks in earlier releases. 
• Model year: Newer model years, such as 2023 and 2024, are generally more reliable than 2022, though some issues persist. 
• Specific issues: Be aware of specific problems, such as the engine fire risk in some hybrid models, and the rearview camera display in some 2024 models, and check to see if they apply to the vehicle you are considering. 
• Warranty: Ensure all recalls are addressed by a dealer and look for vehicles with an extended warranty.